Costa Rica, Day 3

1968(channel your black eyed peas...).... I.... had....the time of my liiiiiiiife... and I owe it all to youuuuuuuuuu....

The 3rd highlight of our trip- zip-lining through the tropical rain forest, overlooking the trees. It was amazing flying above and THROUGH the trees!!! The tour guides thought they were funny as they told us our lines were NOT secure, yet they without hesitation, pushed us to the next station! We had about 7 zip-lines and one tarzan rope swinging adventure!! It seemed incredibly frightening, but it was theeeeee most exhilarating experience in my life (over cliff diving in Hawaii)!!! I remember after being sent off, I flung my hands overhead, pulled my legs upward, and swung side to side completely upsidedown!! To add to the excitement, I was twirled in a cirle and I decided to channel my inner ballernia!! I never got so dizzy overlooking the top of trees and hilltops!!! THEEEE most incredible outdoor experience in my life!!! VIVA LA Costa Rica!!!

JND here: Costa Rica has been AWESOME.  Experiencing nature at it´s purest never gets out of style...especialy when you do it with a great friend!  This AM we took a hike to the Arenal Volcano which most recently erupted in 1968.  The hike lasted about 3.5 hours in duration and we got to experience all of nature´s beauty...spiders included!  My most cherished part was seeking the Arenal Volcano up close & personal. To know that we were next to one of nature´s most powerful yet unpredictable objects gave me quite the rush.  Photos do this place no justice.  This region of Costa Rica has so much to offer.  The food, people and sights are all worth the trip!  Post volcano hike and zip-lining tour, GK & I experienced some true, old fashioned girl bonding...complete with cocktails and a chick flick!  Times like this allow me to stop, reflect, & appreciate good friends and the time that I get to share with them.  From this point forward, when I think of CR, I will always think of Pura Vida and the fun times that I shared here with my dear friend.  Until next time...

Costa Rica, Day 2

Buenos Noches!

We just concluded our 2nd day here in Arenal, Costa Rica. We had the looooongest time traveling in: delayed flight due to a flight attendant who never showed up for work, my 2-hour lay over turned one-minute in Houston (I literally had to book it to the next gate- I was the last one to board and it was at the very minute our flight was supposed to depart!!!), and theeeeen we had a 3.5 hour car ride to Tabacon Resort in Arenal. Thankfully, the scenic route was captivating and I completely forgot about my travel complications.. and for the cherry on top, our resort was AMAZING!!! I highly recommend travelers to get a spa treatment at their facility! The staff is extremely accomdating and polite. Everything about our stay there surpassed what we even expected!

Something adventurous? I´ve never had the guts to go anywhere commando... until today!! I signed up for the 2 hour spa treatment at the Tabacon Grand Spa. It included an hour swedish massage, an oatmeal milk facial, and a mud wrap for my feet. Normally, I´d keep my bottom on, but I went the whole nine since I was in a secluded area.. hahahah omg, I still felt so shy!! Anyway, it was very professional and I felt comfortable... Time flew by and once I woke up, my massage therapist asked me to get up to head towards the jacuzzi.... I was blown away once I saw it was full of bubbles with a glass of Brut and fruit next to it! I loved being outdoors, in a bubble bath, under the Costa Rican skies, surrounded by a wall of tropical trees and plants, and sipping on some bubbly... it was ridiculously, incredibly relaxing and euphoric! My second favorite part of the day was hanging out in the thermal pools (naturally heated by the Arenal volcano), surround by every tone of green with splashes of yellow, orange, and hot pink! There were jaw-dropping sights all around me... lounging around while the rain poured down on us... I especially loved seeing the droplets of rain fall from the leaves overhead... It was a tender and dainty massage from above. I had the most amazing time here!! What a great way to start our Costa Rican adventures!

Picca on Pico Blvd

I told you I would!! =P

Considered doing the 50 course challenge for a millisecond, but opted not to. Instead, 

14 dishes were shared between five of us~ It was more than enough!

I was playing with an external flash & I'm pretty happy with the results!! It looks a bit more dramatic~ 

Pisco Sour.

When traveling to Peru, pisco sours were available everywhere! I wasn't a big fan of the intensive sourness nor the frothy egg topping, but I had to order at least one~ It was REALLY strong (tastes like you're sipping on tequila)! Just after getting 1/5 into it, I was feeling gooooood~ haha

 Primeras

tuna tartare.
tuna, avocado, lemon soy dressing, and wonton chips.

This was DELICIOUS but I was disappointed it lacked creative elements... it was ordinary. 

papa rellena.
stuffed potato, slow cooked beef, boiled egg, rocoto aioli.

I remember loving this in Peru!!
I often saw different types of chicken, meat, or seafood sandwiched between two layers of causa.
This one was better because it was fried~ I love everything potato!!!!
(truth be told, my dad nicknamed me "french fry monster" when I was a lil G =P)

Segundas- Causa Sushi 

Causa is a cold yellow potato mash. Here, it's used in place of the usual rice & seaweed. 

Interestingly, the flavors and textures dance perfectly together!

snow crab- cucumber, avocado, huancaina sauce
smoked salmon- hijiki, shallots, aji amarillo yogurt
spicy tuna- tobiko, cucumbers
spicy yellow tail- spicy mayo, green onions, wasabi tobiko

ALL of these were tasty!!

Ceviches & Tiraditos

seabass tiradito.
thinly sliced seabass, soy sauce, lemon dressing, sweet potato puree.

Back in the days, when I was a dainty eater, I would have approached this plate politely with little bites- piece by piece. Now that I'm a ravenous piglet, I learned the PERFECT bite combines all components... oooopen wide!! Imagine the crispiness of the fried sweet potato embedded on an elegant blend of puree against the soft, tender seabass accented by the soy & lemon dressing~~ This was one of my favs.

ceviche crocante.
halibut, leche de tigre, crispy calamari.

I loved the zesty flavors in this dish! It was another favorite!

Terceras- Anticuchos

salmon.
miso, pickled cucumbers.

Salmon was tender and flavorful~ pickled cucumbers? mmmmm.... I didn't really care for it.

papa a la huancaina.
potato, quail egg, pancetta, chives.

This was one of my all time favorite dishes in Peru!! I think I ordered it twice! haha sounds silly, but I'm not the redundant type (especially when traveling)- I like to challenge my palate!! This dish is normally served over rice on a full plate so it was interesting to see Chef Zarate's twist on it!

tomatoes.
burrata (one of my favvvvs), black mint pesto.

Reminiscent of a caprese salad. Very tasty!!

cusquena!!!!

I'm not a fan of beer, but this one is light  & a bit sweet.
I had one on the train ride back from Machu Picchu... so again, I HAD to relive my adventures. =)

Cuartas

the special:
bone-in rib-eye with an anticucho sauce

The seasoning and tenderness of the meat were ON POINT!! 

arroz chaufa de mariscos.
mixed seafood, peruvian fried rice, pickled radish.

and this is where I started to unbutton my pants... hahah jkjk...
but really, this was the point where I started getting full~
I shouldn't have had so many pieces of meat!! lol
I only had a bite of this, but wish I had more!
Even though I felt full, the richness of the flavors  were delightful~

bisteck a lo pobre (poor man's steak).
skirt steak, egg, pan fried banana, chickpeas tacu tacu

I liked everything about this dish, minus the banana...
I thought the sweetness of the banana was overpowering.
I just can't seem to get used to turon (filipino banana lumpia), tostones (fried plantains), nor  any  other cooked banana dishes. What's weird is that I love bananas, banana bread (I guess baked is ok?), banana smoothies, etc...
...I just used "banana" 7 times... bananananananana =P

open kitchen!

My friend was taking pictures & the next thing you know, we were invited into the kitchen!
I'm always sooooo excited when offered a tour!! The manager introduced us to the cooks and showed us around~ So hospitable!! He also showed me the mezzanine deck (2nd floor) where they're able to host private parties.... potential birthday party location?!?!?!? =P

Behind the Scenes

pantry station

with the manager & line cooks

The exposed kitchen includes the fry, anticucho grill & cold stations- a decent sized kitchen.

pancetta... YUM!!

Ultimas

tres leches cake with a pisco creme fraiche topping

It was okay. =)

cheesecake

The cheesecake was delicious! The aji amarillo (peruvian yellow chile pepper) topping gave it a bit of a kick~ you don't get a feel for the heat until after finishing your bite... really complex in taste!

dulce de leche filled churros with chocolate, marmalade, & caramel

This was the perfect end to a charming meal with great company!!

Bluhh-Deu!

I try to give blood as often as I can. Today's screening took extra long because of my blood pressure (kind of low at 100/60) and the nurses had to take time out to look up all the countries I visited... city by city, transportation and all! I didn't know how specific it was! Anyhow, I was good to go!!

Sadly, they told me after my visit to Costa Rica, I would not be able to donate for a whole year~ good thing I went in today!!

They stuck a pipe of a needle in my arm~ =(
on the brighter side, the nurses did an awesome job... no bruises! =)

Today's goodies: hot dog (gone completely wrong due to the missing ketchup!),
In&Out gift card, stress ball, & t-shirt.

Love heals all wounds!

Food for the Soul

I find a deeper appreciation for life when serving others. Whether through my career path or volunteering in the community, I find purpose~

Many might remember the devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti of 2010... Soon after, a dear friend (whom I worked alongside in philanthropy) & I wanted to direct our focus on the relief efforts before embarking on our annual vacation. We wanted to be there physically to lend a helping hand... Unfortunately, after reaching out to several organizations, we were unable to find an appropriate opportunity...

Fast forward to July 2011... I have a close friend who's flying out to help out at a Haitian orphanage!! She extended an invitation for us to donate gifts to the children... PSSHHHH, you don't have to ask me twice!! hahah and you can't be stingy with these things anyway!! =P

It's so heart-warming to know I have friends & relatives who are equally passionate about helping out those in need.

I'm so encouraged by those who can be selfless without entertaining the thought of being deserving. Thank u all!! Especially to BS, JC, CM, DN & company, AA & RJ <3 Your generosity will go a long way!!

A trunk-full of school supplies, toiletries, toys, clothes, etc.
(don't mind the boogie board... that stays in there year-long haha!)

I HAVE TO...

....have to, have to, have to... I want to, want to, want to... I NEEEEEED TO...
dine at the newest, hottest Peruvian/Japanese fusion tapas restaurant, Picca!!!!
OH. MY. GAHT!

Confession: I am a blog addict.
Especially food blogs!!!

I heard about the 50 course challenge @ Picca where the goal is to try every menu item in one sitting... ehhh, not too interested... what REALLY caught my attention was the chef's impressive background! A native of Lima, Peru (I'm even more excited since I visited Peru in August 2010), Chef Ricardo Zarate has had much experience in various kitchens world-wide. Recently, he was part of Providence's Four on Fish- a dinner collaboration between Chef Michael Cimarusti (Providence), Chef Hiro Urasawa (Urasawa), Chef Ricardo Zarate (Mo-Chica & Picca), and Chef Ludo Lefebvre (LudoBites). I've only been to Providence, but I knew these four chefs were iconic in the culinary world. Chef Zarate was also deemed one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs earlier this year! With the skills he acquired, he is starting off his new venture (since May 2011), Picca! I absolutely love Peruvian and I will never get sick of Japanese... Thank you, Chef Zarate, you've created a playground for my ready-to-live-life palate!!

I MUST dine here before I depart for Costa Rica!! =P

Signed with Love,
Chubster <3

In a Nut Shell...

Del Cerro Hike

In light of our last wsg meeting, we decided to have a "see you later" activity day~ I'm ALWAYS appreciative of any time spent with these girls! We are so very different, yet so similar in numerous ways~ I love how we have similar passions & how we can easily laugh together! I've only know them for a short period of time, but the level of intimacy shared between our group allows me to feel a tight bond with each individual. Exposing yourself truly opens doors to growth & it defines relationships. I love you all!! <3

taken by CK!

The beginning of the trail was easy & all downhill. The journey back... not so much~ =P 

freeze!... picture time~~

Totally overexposed, but I LOVE this pic <3

getting lost in His beauty

yellow fever

Spoon House! The most interesting Italian/Japanese fusion spaghetti~
(i.e., sea urchin, squid, fish flakes, seaweed, roe, etc... you choose!) 

Falling in love with Chicago

Our little dong seng (younger sibling by blood or relation) visited a few months ago after starting law school in Chicago... She came back SKINNYYYY. My friends and I took notice and thought of a brilliant idea!! We wanted to visit & tour the city, but we also wanted to stock her refrigerator to ensure she's being taken care of... Once we flew in, we realized she was doing GREAT for herself! She basically took care of US during the trip~ hahah

I had such a fabulous time with these three ladies~ Mainly, because (1) we share conversations that feed my soul- there is depth, encouragement, thoughtfulness, integrity, humor, & Christ, (2) we're drama free, & (3) we indulged in music & arts! Hands down, a very memorable weekend!!

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the trip:

Best breakfast @ Yolk

Northwestern University library

Chicago skyline from the 96th floor of the John Hancock Center

My favorite drink, Jack & coke.

hahahaha!!

coming to life, Lurie Garden

I love the energy of this pic!!! LOL

Isn't this such a calming picture??
Looks like she's deep in thought... never stop that engine~

hamburger festival!

Lighting makes or breaks a pic~

I <3 cherry tomatoes!

A miniature fountain on the sidewalk... tinted blue....
First thing that came to mind: 2000 Flushes =P

Don't you love the horse carriage in the background?!?!

M had to leave early for school & work our last day there.
We placed post-it notes all around her apartment, made a flower arrangement,
& restocked her kitchen.

This one would've looked better w Lake Michigan showing through the window~
Still need to figure out how to do that without compensating the yellow...

Wedding Bells


Joshy Woshy (aka Happy) finally got married this weekend!! Congratulations!!! Some of my fondest memories from college are shared with him~ From dorming in Zapotec, Templo Del Sol to hanging out with him & other friends/roomies @ College Manor. We were a pretty tight knit group of friends, but we branched off after graduating. I realized its been 4-5 years since I've seen some of them! It was so heart warming to catch up with these old friends and I had such a great time being in their company~

Pictures taken with Droid, Incredible2:

2.5 hrs of traffic!!!
I gave myself ample time for traveling, but ended up arriving right when the ceremony ended...
I felt like the biggest jerk!!
Never met the two on the ends, but I wanted a picture of the couple in front of the marina!! heheh

program <3

We had 3 hours to kill... so in light of our college days,
we challenged ourselves to a game of beer pong! hahah

mom-to-be!!!!

dad-to-be getting some practice in =P

2 month old mom?!?!?! omg... I was getting hit left & right with shocking news~ lol

baby Niko <3 <3

the boys with overflowing personalities!

Happy looks so happy =)

The gang! Ahhhh such good times~~

The ladies showing the peanut some love~~

We were soooooo exhausted afterwards!! haha

Costa Rica is "pura vida"


Next up, CR!!! I'm eagerly anticipating this trip!!! I'm a girl who admires mother nature's beauty! I love swimming in the ocean, camping, hiking, taking in views from mountaintops (or helicopters! =P), etc... As cliche as it is, I love "smelling the roses".... we often take these things for granted, but take a second to breathe in the natural beauty of the outdoors~ I definitely find it humbling when realizing how BIG the sky/ocean/mountains are and how insignificant my problems and worries are... anyway, CR is all about lush lands (& big insects!! ewww)... I found this video and it just made me all the more excited about my upcoming vacation!

"and Puerto Rico is another country" HAHAHA!!!

The concept of "pura vida" is accepted country wide. The literal translation is "pure life." It's the country's motto, their way of life (similar to the idea of hakuna matata). Not only does it reflect a relaxed, easy-going lifestyle, it can also be used in salutations. 

-¡Hola Tamara!, ¿Pura vida?              -Hi Tamara, ¿Pura vida?

-Muy bien, gracias a Dios.                   -Very well, thank God.

-¡Diay Felipe! ¿Cómo vas?                  -Hey, Felipe! How’s it going?

-Pura vida, ¿y vos?                             -Pura vida, and you?

-¡Nos vemos mañana!                          -See you tomorrow!

-Pura vida, ¡chao!                               -Pura vida, bye!

-¡Muchas gracias!                                -Thank you very much!

-¡Pura vida!                                         -¡Pura vida!

-¿Usted conoce a María?                    -Do you know Maria?

-¡Claro! Ella es muy pura vida.           -Sure! She’s very pura vida.

A little stress is always good~ I think stress helps us strive, excel, work harder under pressure. However, stress in heavy doses can be harmful to your health. Pura vida is my preferred mentality on life in general~ anything that can promote longevity, prevent wrinkles, & ensure an enjoyable life is MY CUP OF TEA!! cheers~~ =)

My coworker and I coincidentally booked our CR vacations around the same time. He visited a month ago and came back with pamphlets galore for me & my travel buddy!! So thoughtful, right?? =)